Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you have a course map?

Is there race swag?

There certainly is! Everyone who pre-registers by September 9th will receive a custom race tech shirt & a race bag. Women’s and youth sizes are available. Woot! We will also have custom bandanas for your pooch!

Awesome! I love prizes, how do I fundraise?

Right after you register for the race you’ll have the opportunity to set up your own personal fundraising page via the link in your confirmation email. You can make your very own appeal to send to family and friends to support you. Registered runners will be able to see who’s in the lead for fundraising from our registration page. Fancy a fundraising competition? Sweet swag will be available for individual fundraisers who hit certain milestones and we will have top fundraising awards. For more information about setting up your personal page, please see our Fundraising Page.

Can my dog race with me? Is the race dog-friendly?

Of course he/she can, after all, that’s the whole point of this race! We wouldn’t be having this race if it weren’t for the animals. For the safety of runners and dogs, please be aware at all times of where your dogs is and who is around your dog. All dogs must be kept on-leash and under control at all times. If your dog is off-leash, you will be kindly asked to put your dog on-leash or leave the event. (It’s the law in Downers Grove and off-leash dogs will not be tolerated.) Also, we ask that you leave your retractable leashes at home. Retractable leashes and large crowds are not a good combination. If your dog is easily agitated or stressed around other dogs and/or crowds, this might not be the best place for a dog-outing.

What does the race support?

The Run4Paws 5k is a fundraiser benefiting Magnificent Mutts & Meows Rescue. Magnificent Mutts & Meows is a 501(c)3 nonprofit all-breed dog and cat rescue. We save dogs and cats who are rescued from high kill animal shelters, are surrendered by their owners, or are found roaming the streets. Once we rescued, they are vet-checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heart-worm tested/treated, and microchipped before we find loving fur-ever homes for them.

I’ve never run in a 5K before. Can I really do this? How do I train for this kind of thing?

Everyone starts somewhere and we’re pumped we’re going to be your first. Run4Paws 5K has partnered with Coach Brian Meulen’s TriDogz to get you out and ready for this run and many more. Coach Meulen has provided a 12 Week Finish Your First 5K training program for you. You can do it! Check out TriDogz.com for more information.

Can you guarantee that I’ll win the race?

Everyone who registers is a winner in our eyes. So yes, you’re going to win. The dogs will sure think you’re a winner!

Can I volunteer at the race?

Absolutely! To pull this off we’re going to need the help of a few good men and women. If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out our volunteer form. And of course, volunteers go home with awesome shirts, too!

Can I get involved in other ways?

Magnificent Mutts & Meows is an all volunteer organization. All our volunteers have one common goal: to save as many animals as we can. We are always looking for more volunteers to help with the following areas:

Fostering a Cat or Dog

Handlers for Adoption Events

Transport

Providing Donations

Fundraising and Special Event planning

Technical Support

If you find one that matches something you would like to contribute to, please feel free to contact us. Thank you so much for your compassion and interest in helping our organization.

I have a business and we’d like to partner. Are there sponsorship opportunities?

Yes! We’d love to talk to you about partnering with us for the race. For more information, see our Sponsorship Page or contact us.

Will there be a bag check?

Unfortunately, there will not be a bag check. Please plan accordingly!

Is the race chip-timed?

Yep! Chip timing will be provided for all running the 5K. This year we are using the Chronotrack B-Tag timing system.

Will there be race-day registration?

Yes, unless we sell out before race day! Race day registration will open at 8:30am.

I registered but now I can’t come to the race. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration or pick up my shirt after the race?

No. Unfortunately there are no refunds or registration transfers available. Shirts are only available on race day (or at packet-pickup) so if you can’t make it – be sure to send someone to pick-up your shirt on your behalf with a copy of your ID.

Can I run with a stroller?

Yes, but for the safety of all participants, those with jogging strollers are asked to start at the back of the pack at the starting line.

Is there parking available at McCollum Park?

You bet! Free Parking is available for all participants, vendors and volunteers. We recommend carpooling with friends/family to cut down on emissions and make parking easier for everyone.